The National tribune., 1887-02-24
DON'T GIVE UPTHE SHIP.
Organization OF a National Association OF Nav;
Veterans

Organization OF National Association OF Naval
Veterans
The National Association of Naval Veterans
was organized recently at the Morton House,
broadway and l4th street. New York city.
The convention which assembled for the pur-
pose consisted of delegates from all the differ
ent local associations throughout the United
States. California, Kansas, Illinois, Wisconsin,
Pennsylvania, New York aud Connecticut were
represented. The convention was called 10 order
by Shipmate and Comrade Joseph Hadfeld,
Chairman of the Committee on Arrangements.
He nominated Capt G. A. Stillman, of Hart
ford, Conn, as presiding officer, and Comrade
w. s. Wells Of New Haven, As Secretary. These
nominations were unanimously confirmed. A
Committee on Constitution and Bylaws was
appointed by the Chairman, consisting of Ship
mates Thompson, of Chicago; Hadfeld, of
New York, and Simmons. Of Philadelphia.
Also a Committee on Badge and Uniforms,
consisting of Shipmates j. w. Page, w. :.
Wells and L. III. Gross. During the absence of
these committees general experience meeting
took place on the present condition Of the navy.
The Committee on Constitution then returned
aud submitted report, which, after few slight
notifications was adopted. Ii provides that
this organization shall be known as the Ma
tional Association of Naval Veterans, and TO be
composed Of persons who served in the United
States Navy, Marine Corps aud Revenue Marine
Service from lS6l 10 1862 inclusive, who lave
been duly mustered out or hOrOraby discharged
theTefrom. Al election of officers then took
place and resulted as follows: Commodore {. w.
Adams, Chicago, H.; Commander, C.. A. Still
man, Hartford, Conn; Paymasier, i. ii. Gross,
New York, y. y; Surgeon, j. ID. Murray, Jer-
sey City, n. J.; Secretary. William Simmons.
Philadelphia, Pa; Assistant Secretary, w. NJ.
Chester Chicago, H.
The Commodore on taking thee modestly
expressed his profound thanks for the uncx-
pected honor conferred on him. An Executive
Committee consisting of Shipmates Hadfeld,
Thompson and George III. Narnick was then
! appointed. A vote of thanks was passed to the
| presiding officer, Capt. G. 4. Stillman also To
/ the Farragut Veteran Association Of New York
! for their outlay and labor in arranging for the
convention; also TO the proprietors of the Nor
ton House for hospitaltics SO generously ex-
tended TO this the First National Convention
of Naval Veterans. The convention adjourned
TO meet in one year from date in the city Of
| Philadelphia.
A Reunion of naval veterans will be held in
| ST. Louis next September in connection with
the GAR. National Encampmont, at which
time and place il is proposed 10 organize local
! association Of those vino served on the Upper
| Mississippi and its tributaries during the war;
which all naval veterans now residing in that
section Of the country can join. In connection
with this National Association il is proposed TO
compile directory Of naval veterans, their
| present address, the names of vessels on which
they served during the war, and date Of such
service. All naval veterans are earnestly re-
quested TO take an interest i'm this matter and
forward such information as they possess TO the
Secretary. care ofthe Naval Post, No. 100, Phila-
delphia, Pa. Persons writing for any informa-
tion should inclose stamp, rs the Secretary is
not bloated bondholder."
1t may be stated in this connection that the
appropriation for the payment of pensions last
year was $75,0O00O0 Out Of this sum there
was paid TO naval pensioners only S3l3, 3,4i95l.
There are many worthy claims on file which, no
matter how meritOriOus, cannot be completed
for want OF evidence from those who knew the
applicant in the service. We have the utmost
confidence in the good intentions of the Gov
ernment 10 treat with equal fairness both
branches Of the public service; but the gallant
men whose broadsdes pcaled forth the death
knell of treason have great trouble in securing
evidence Of disabilities incurred in line of duty
because those with whom they fought are now
scattered throughout all parts OF the civilized
world Hence by this proposed compilation il
is hoped 10 supply lOng-ielt want in securing
evidence in pension cases.
There were l2l ,95I enlstments i'm the navy
during the war. New York furnished 1882
Massachusetts, 2l03i; Pennsylvania, I24Is
New Jersey, 7,73l; Maine, 5,46i; Connecticut
=, ,559. The other States are credited with much
smaller numbers, and Texas is the lowest on
the list, being credited with but one man Now
shipmates where are you all? Speak up like
little men" and let us hear from you
know we are getting old aud scarce but there
are several Of US about yet, and as We are on
our last cruise let us stand closer together
WM. SIMMONS, Secretary, National Association
of Naval Veterans.